Her thumb hesitated before tapping it open.
The headline hit her first:
"BREAKING: New York Architecture mogul Ethan Ashford announces Engagement to Clara Torres"
She blinked. Read it again. The words didn't change.
The statement was already everywhere…screenshots, reposts, and reaction threads:
"Clara has been my fiancee for some time now.The rumors circulating are both hurtful and false. We are deeply disappointed in the invasion of our privacy during such an important moment in our lives. We ask the media to give us space. I apologize to the DA's office for any inconvenience this has caused, and I thank those who continue to support Clara and our relationship."
Her hand went cold.
Ethan Ashford.
Nine years. She hadn't spoken to him, hadn't even seen him since that morning when she left him the note. No calls, no texts, no explanations. And now, out of nowhere, he was her fiancé?
Why? Why would he do her a favor she hadn't asked for? Men like Ethan Ashford didn't "do" favors.They made business deals.
Her thoughts spiraled, catching flashes of the boy she remembered..the smirk, the precision in his words, the way he always seemed to be calculating three moves ahead. And now? Now he was New York's most sought-after bachelor, the man every finance article and society page had a take on. She'd never needed to keep up with his life,.it was impossible not to hear about him.
But why this? Why now?
A knock broke her thoughts. Not a polite one.
She opened the door to find Riley and Sofia pushing their way in like the place was on fire.
Sofia's eyes were wide, but her tone was oddly joyful. "Okay, you have to admit, that was a genius move. Ethan just saved your career. The press is already shifting from 'scandal' to 'secret romance.'"
Clara stared at her. "Saved it? I didn't even ask him to"
"Exactly," Riley cut in, voice sharp. "That is the problem. He's a calculating businessman, Clara. This is not a man who does something for nothing. You guys slept together what? Nine years ago? Then everyone went their separate ways. Why the hell would he suddenly claim you?"
Sofia lifted her hands. "Maybe he actually cares?"
Riley snorted. "Or maybe he wants something. Big difference."
Clara sank onto the couch, rubbing her temples. "I just. I don't understand what his endgame is."